Multidisciplinary Perioperative Care Pathway in Adolescents Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery

Posterior Spinal fusion (PSF) is one of the most invasive orthopedic surgical procedures in children and adolescents, often characterized by extensive tissue trauma, and severe postoperative pain. In addition to pain, the postoperative period is complicated by the side effects of opioids such as nausea and vomiting, itching and sedation. Various studies have shown that pain in the direct postoperative phase is an important determinant for development of chronic post-surgical pain. The consequences of untreated acute pain are known and can also contribute to chronification in pain.